Astronauts have been stranded in space for over 100 days, raising health concerns as their return remains delayed.
New photos of astronauts stranded in space have sparked growing health concerns.
The condition of astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams is of particular concern.
Astronauts got an unexpected delay of 150 days in space
Astronauts Sunita Williams, 59, and Barry Wilmore, 61, intended for their mission to last eight days but have stayed much longer.
The two astronauts launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5.
However, severe technical difficulties, including thruster failures and helium leaks, have delayed their return to Earth.
Now, more than 150 days into their mission, Williams and Wilmore remain aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The decision to stay aboard
Faced with a tough decision—return in a compromised spacecraft or wait for a rescue—the astronauts chose to wait for SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.
Photos of the astronauts aboard the ISS have raised health concerns, although they are scheduled to return in February 2025.
Health concerns emerge as astronauts remain stranded in space after over 100 days
Newly released photos of the astronauts have quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention to Williams’ visibly changed appearance.
Many users have expressed concern over her health, noting signs of possible weight loss and physical strain.
One Twitter user commented: Suni Williams’ condition doesn’t look good.
Another stated: It looks like those two American astronauts stuck in the ISS are not in good health, especially Suni Williams.
Health concerns emerge as astronauts remain stranded in space after over 100 days
Dr. Vinay Gupta, a physician, weighed in on the photos during an interview with the Daily Mail.
He explained: What you’re seeing in that picture is somebody who is experiencing the stresses of living at a very high altitude, even in a pressurized cabin, for extended periods.
“Her cheeks appear a bit sunken – and usually it happens when you’ve had sort of total body weight loss.”
He added: “I think what I can discern by her face and her cheeks being sunken in is that [she] has probably been at a significant [calorie] deficit for a while.”
He pointed out that Williams’ cheeks appeared sunken, which he noted is typically a sign of total body weight loss.
However, Dr. Gupta reassured the public, saying, “I don’t think she’s in any immediate danger, but her visible condition does suggest she’s likely been on a significant calorie deficit for some time.”
The visible toll is concerning, although doctors do not consider her health to be life-threatening.
Plans for return
NASA confirmed that SpaceX will return Williams and Wilmore to Earth as part of the Crew-9 mission in February 2025.
“NASA has decided that Butch and Suni will return with [SpaceX’s] Crew-9 next February and that Starliner will return uncrewed,” Nelson stated.
This decision was made earlier this year by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
The move follows Boeing’s commitment to resolve the technical issues with Starliner.
Despite the challenges they have faced, Wilmore remains positive about the situation.
Speaking during a recent video conference, he expressed gratitude for the safety measures available to them.
“Obviously, when you have issues like we’ve had, there’s some changes that need to be made. Boeing’s on board with that. We’re all on board with that,” he said.
Reflecting on their situation, he noted, “We were very fortunate to have the option to stay aboard the ISS and return a different way, rather than having no options at all.”
As Williams and Wilmore wait for their return, their story highlights the risks of space exploration and the need for safety.
Their safe return is eagerly anticipated, with plans for their journey home set for the new year.